Many people like to take their canine companion with them on trips, but sometimes car or airplane travel with your dog can be too stressful for both pet and owner. If this is the case, you can consider boarding your dog with a trusted organization or friend, but before you do, you'll need to prepare to make sure he is safe while you're away.

Putting your dog in a kennel
Kennels are definitely an option for some canines, and you may even find that your dog looks forward to a visit to the dog boarding home. If it's your first time to a kennel, you may want to try a "practice run" with your pet over a weekend or a couple nights before you leave, to make sure both you and he are happy with the facility.

Leaving your dog with a friend
If your dog isn't fond of kennels, then you may want to find a trusted friend who has experience raising a pet who will be willing to care for your dog while you're away. It may be ideal if he or she is able to stay at your home with your pet, as this will be a familiar space, but if not, you'll need to take some steps to make sure your pet is happy and easily cared for while away. Be certain your caretaker has all of the contact information for local vet clinics in the case of an emergency, and have him or her spend plenty of quality time with your dog before you leave.

Before your trip
No matter if you choose a kennel or a friend's home, there are certain steps you must take to prepare your dog for time apart. Bring plenty of familiar items for your pet, as some canines are prone to separation anxiety in dogs. This can include some of your pet's favorite toys, or even an item of clothing that will remind him of your scent. Any pet medication necessary to treat your animal must also be brought along, and the caretaker or caretakers should be able to administer them properly. Also be certain that your canine has had all of his dog vaccinations, including the one that protects him from kennel cough.

If leaving him with a friend, make sure you pack more than enough food to last your pet until he's back at your home, and go over your feeding routine so that your pet's diet remains stable. If you have more than one type of leash or harness, bring them both to your friend's home and show him or her how they are used. If bringing the dog to a kennel, you should either bring your own food or make sure the facility has suitable, healthy food for your pet.

When you return
There isn't much to do when you return, besides picking up your dog and giving him a good check-over to make sure he's in good health. If anything seems amiss, bring him to a vet hospital to get a professional's opinion.

HOW TO REACH US

VCA Castle Shannon Animal Hospital

Phone: 412-885-2500

Fax: 412-885-8901

3610 Library Rd.

Pittsburgh,
PA15234

BUSINESS HOURS

Mon-Sun Open 24 hours

We are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, including weekends and holidays. Our vaccination clinic hours are Tuesday afternoons from 1pm until 4pm, Wednesday from 9am until 4pm and the last Sunday of every month from 9am until 12 noon.

Emergency

In case of emergency, call us immediately at 412-885-2500. We have doctors and technicians on the premises 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We are available to help weekends and holidays when you need us most. We are fully equipped to provide your pet with emergency care including emergency stabilization, laboratory testing and x-rays, IV fluid therapy, pain control, infection treatments, wound care and fracture care, treatment for poisonings or seizures, and referrals to specialty facilities. Contact our hospital right away if you have an concerns or questions. Our address is 3610 Library Road, Pittsburgh PA 15234.

Specialty Care

As part of the VCA family, we have over 83 specialty hospitals across the US and Canada which provide referral specialty care, so there may be one near you. Enter ZIP to find VCA specialty care hospitals near you.